The Smiley Smile Message Board

Last night, watching my DVD, I came across an old Night Court season 3 episode (originally aired on NBC in late 1985).

It's called "Up on the Roof" and centers on a rock star who is controlled by a greedy psychiatrist, who manipulates his actions; when he is momentarily "freed" from his shrink's grip, he winds up enjoying life, but quickly regresses when the shrink catches up to him and throws him under a spell again.

I couldn't help but think of the obvious parallels between these characters and BW + Landy. I'm wondering if this was an intentional reference, or if the episode was at least partially inspired by BW + Landy? Just how much common knowledge was it in the pre-internet days of 1985, of the dysfunctional nature of BW + Landy's relationship?

-Ben

I haven't seen this episode, but it DEFINITELY sounds like Brian/Landy from your description.  That's too much of a coincidence.

I was only 9 when it aired, but I vaguely remember this episode, possibly from later reruns...I really loved Night Court back in the day...it's funny how my taste in music and TV have changed so drastically since then...I tried to get through an episode a couple of years ago and found the humor to be dated and unfunny.  Ona musical note, back then, my favorite group was The Pointer Sisters! haha wow!  Not to diminish their talent, but a lot of their 80's stuff has just not stood the test of time (I guess that goes for a lot of 80's music).

...and where does singer and ex-Clash guitar slinger Mick Jones' fiancee Ellen Foley ('Billie') fit into all of this? C'mon guys, there MUST be a connection...

it's weird you bring this up, I just recently bought the first two seasons the other night while I was drunk, hence the recent avatar.

It's almost certainly an intentional Landy reference, because whoever wrote for Night Court once threw in a VERY obscure Beach Boys-related joke (something about a Mr. Wilson who, after telling a story about his lousy childhood, finishes up with, "and that's the last time I ever saw my brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl.")

Of course Harry Anderson is a big Beach Boys fan - he interviewed Brian at the New Orleans Jazz fest a few years ago.  Asked him to sing With Me Tonight, which he did.  So yeah, it must have been intentional.